The Planet M from Elipson is a spherical speaker with a 15 cm diameter. It follows in the tradition of Elipson’s round speakers and incorporates the latest technologies to deliver high-quality sound in a compact format. It is equipped with a 10 cm 2-way coaxial driver and features a white lacquered finish. This speaker can be used both in stereo configuration and as part of a multichannel home theater system.
French Design and Acoustic Heritage
The Elipson Planet M stands firmly in the illustrious French acoustic tradition initiated by Joseph Léon in 1938. This ultra-compact speaker draws its roots from the iconic models that have marked the history of hi-fi, notably the legendary BS50 from 1953 and the AS-30 from 1969, which was present in ORTF studios and French cultural institutions.
The spherical shape is not just an aesthetic choice: it is a fundamental acoustic principle developed by Elipson for over 70 years. This perfect geometry eliminates unwanted resonances generated by the parallel walls of traditional speakers. Sound waves glide smoothly along the curved internal surface, avoiding harmful reflections that disturb the diaphragm. This design allows the driver to perform under optimal conditions, without coloration or harshness.
Acoustic Configuration and Technical Choices
The Elipson Planet M adopts a carefully considered 2-way sealed enclosure architecture. The 10 cm coaxial driver is at the heart of this design: its treated paper cone reproduces the midrange and upper bass, while the 20 mm fabric dome tweeter, positioned at the center, handles the highs up to 22 kHz.
This coaxial configuration offers a major advantage: it focuses sound emission at a single point, creating perfect temporal coherence between the different frequency ranges. The soundstage gains in precision and uniformity, with a particularly stable and natural stereo image.
The sealed enclosure chosen for this Planet M reflects a precise acoustic philosophy. Rather than forcing a 10 cm transducer to artificially extend into the low bass at the expense of quality, Elipson has deliberately limited the frequency response from 90 Hz upwards. This approach ensures faithful and controlled reproduction of upper bass, midrange, and treble, without compression or distortion.
The internal wiring deserves special mention: 99.99% pure OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) conductors ensure signal transmission without alteration. The silver-plated binding posts, while only accepting single wiring, provide high-quality connectivity suitable for amplifiers from 30 to 80 watts.
Sound Performance and Musical Character
Listening to the Planet M quickly reveals the qualities that have built Elipson’s reputation. Its musical character is evident from the very first notes: the timbres are neutral and silky, free from any aggressiveness or artificial coloration. The particularly refined midrange renders voices with striking naturalness, while the treble delivers precise detail without ever becoming overwhelming.
The exceptional temporal coherence of this speaker results in a remarkably stable and precise soundstage. Instruments are positioned with clarity, making it easy to identify each source and creating surprising depth and width for a transducer of this size.
The Planet M excels especially in reproducing acoustic genres: jazz, chamber classical music, folk, and pop all find an ideal showcase here. The finesse of dynamic nuances and the accuracy of timbres allow for extended listening without auditory fatigue.
However, the use of a subwoofer becomes essential for full-range musical reproduction. The Planet Sub from Elipson, specially developed to accompany the Planet M, ensures a seamless transition around 90–100 Hz, naturally complementing the low end without distorting the overall tonal balance.
Installation Versatility and Integration
The compactness of the Planet M is one of its major assets. With its 15 cm diameter and weighing only 1.7 kg, it fits into any space, from the smallest to the most spacious. The supplied circular base allows for stable placement on any flat surface, while optional wall and ceiling mounts open up new installation possibilities.
This installation versatility is especially valuable in home theater setups. The Planet M can serve as surround, center, or even main speakers depending on the room size and desired configuration. Their uniform directivity and balanced response make integration into demanding multichannel systems easy.
The sealed enclosure of this speaker allows for placement close to walls without negative proximity effects. This feature greatly simplifies installation, which is particularly appreciated in tight spaces where every centimeter counts.
Build Quality and Finishes
The Elipson Planet M is a testament to French manufacturing excellence. Each unit undergoes rigorous quality control that is evident from the first touch: the solidity and precision of assembly inspire confidence and durability.
The spherical shell, crafted using Elipson’s traditional techniques, is perfectly uniform. The wall thickness, calculated to optimize internal damping, contributes to the overall acoustic neutrality. The glossy lacquer, applied in several layers, offers remarkable depth and shine.
The internal components show the same attention to detail. The coaxial driver, specially developed for this application, uses premium materials: treated paper cone for damping qualities, fabric dome for smooth treble, and a ventilated voice coil for power handling.
Even the packaging reflects the care given to the product: each Planet M is delivered with white gloves to avoid fingerprints during handling—a telling detail of the attention paid to presentation and product protection.
Innovation and Exclusive Technologies
While adopting Elipson’s historic aesthetic codes, the Planet M incorporates contemporary technical innovations. The coaxial driver benefits from the latest advances in materials and geometry, optimizing frequency response and distortion.
The sealed enclosure is the result of advanced acoustic modeling, with the internal volume calculated to the milliliter to optimize transient response. The precisely measured internal damping eliminates unwanted resonances without stifling dynamics.
The base design also deserves mention: its geometry avoids contact resonances while ensuring perfect stability. Rubber inserts dampen vibrations and protect surfaces.
This modern technological approach, combined with Elipson’s traditional expertise, positions the Planet M as a successful synthesis of heritage and innovation, preserving the brand’s musical soul while meeting contemporary demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it absolutely necessary to pair the Planet M with a subwoofer?
For a complete musical experience, adding a subwoofer is highly recommended. The Planet M goes down to 90 Hz, perfectly covering upper bass, midrange, and treble. The Planet Sub from Elipson, developed specifically for this range, ensures a seamless transition and ideally completes the low end. For listening focused on vocals and acoustic music, however, the Planet M can be used on its own.
What amplification power is best suited for this speaker?
Elipson recommends a power range of 30 to 80 watts to optimally drive the Planet M. This range allows you to fully exploit the speaker’s dynamic capabilities without risk of overload. A quality 40–50 watt amplifier is generally ideal for most home listening setups.
How does the Planet M compare to the Planet L?
The Planet M is the ultra-compact version of the Planet L. It uses the same acoustic principles (spherical enclosure, coaxial driver) in a format 50% smaller. The Planet L offers bass extension down to 48 Hz and is suitable for larger rooms, while the Planet M favors discretion and requires a subwoofer for low frequencies. The choice mainly depends on the available space and desired setup.
What other finishes are available for the Planet M?
In addition to white lacquer, the Planet M comes in several finishes: black lacquer, red lacquer, gold lacquer, as well as matte finishes Mercury Ice, Neptune Stone, and Saturn Dust. These different options allow you to match the look to any interior, from classic to contemporary.
Can the Planet M be used as a center speaker in a home theater setup?
Absolutely. Its coaxial design and balanced response make it an excellent center speaker. Its compactness makes it easy to fit under a screen, while its neutrality ensures faithful reproduction of dialogue. In a 5.1 setup, the uniformity with other Planet M speakers guarantees optimal acoustic coherence across all channels.
What type of wall mount is best suited for this speaker?
Elipson offers a dedicated wall mount (Wall Mount) specifically designed for the Planet M. This mount allows for optimal positioning while preserving the speaker’s spherical aesthetic. It ensures secure attachment and offers orientation options to optimize directivity according to your listening setup.
